NAME OF DRUG DOSAGE, MECHANISMS OF ACTION INDICATION CONTRAINDICATION ADVERSE EFFECTS NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES

FREQUENCY,
ROUTE

25 meq Replacement of or Levothyroxine is • overactive • weight gain or Assessment

Brand Name: q4H supplementation to a thyroid thyroid gland. loss ▪ History: Allergy to active or extraneous constituents of drug,
lSynthroid, Levox PO endogenous thyroid medicine that • thyrotoxicosis crisis. • headache thyrotoxicosis, acute MI uncomplicated by hypothyroidism,
yl, L Thyroxine, hormones. Principal replaces a hormone • diabetes. • vomiting Addison’s disease, lactation
Levo effect is increasing normally produced • pituitary hormone • diarrhea ▪ Physical: Skin lesions, color, T, texture; T; muscle tone,
T, Levothroid, metabolic by your thyroid deficiency. • changes in orientation, reflexes; P, auscultation, baseline ECG, BP; R,
Levothyroxine rate of body tissues: gland to regulate • a condition where the appetite adventitious sounds; thyroid function tests
T4, Levoxine, Promote the body's energy adrenal glands • fever Interventions
Tirosint, gluconeogenesis, and metabolism. produce less • changes in ▪ BLACK BOX WARNING: Do not use for weight loss; large
and Unithroid. Increase utilization and Levothyroxine is hormones called menstrual cycle doses may cause serious adverse effects.
mobilization of used to Addison's disease. • sensitivity to ▪ Monitor response carefully at start of therapy, and adjust
Generic Name: glycogen stores, treat hypothroidism • osteoporosis. heat dosage. Full therapeutic effect may not be seen for several
Levothyroxine Stimulate protein . Levothyroxine is • a condition of weak • hair loss days.
synthesis, Promote cell also used to treat or bones. • joint pain ▪ Ensure that patient swallows tablet with a full glass of water.
Classification: growth and prevent goiter (enla • decreased • leg cramps ▪ Do not change brands of T4 products, due to possible
 thyroid hormone differentiation, Aid in rged thyroid calcification or bioequivalence problems.
replacement the development of the gland), which can density of bone. ▪ Do not add IV doses to other IV fluids.
brain and be caused by ▪ Use caution in patients with CV disease.
CNS. Therapeutic hormone ▪ Administer oral drug as a single daily dose before breakfast
Effects: Replacement in imbalances, with a full glass of water.
hypothyroidism to radiation treatment, ▪ Arrange for regular, periodic blood tests of thyroid function.
restore normal hormonal surgery, or cancer. ▪ For children and other patients who cannot swallow tablets,
balance. Suppression of crush and suspend in a small amount of water or formula, or
thyroid cancer. sprinkle over soft food. Administer immediately.
▪ WARNING: Most CV and CNS adverse effects indicate that
the dose is too high. Stop drug for several days and reinstitute
at a lower dose.